PROFILE

By Byron King

Strengths
In contrast to Uncle Mo, who lost for the first time when third in the Wood, Archarcharch is unquestionably at the top of his game. A three-time stakes winner, he won the Arkansas Derby in his final Derby prep and did so in fast time and with a wide trip.
Bear in mind that this is also a horse who this year won the Southwest Stakes over J P’s Gusto in February and was third to The Factor in March when the latter cruised around on the lead in the Rebel.

Archarcharch has the preparation and a pedigree that suggests the staying power to go a mile and a quarter. He is by Arch out of a Woodman mare and already this year has the benefit of four two-turn races.

Weaknesses
The Arkansas Derby could not have set up any better for him. The favorite, The Factor, was beaten to the lead and a fast pace ensued, setting up this horse’s closing rally. Even then, he was not drawing away at the finish. The wire came up just in time, allowing him to last by a neck over a flying Nehro.
The other concern is that he can be a bit keen at times, and on those occasions he has not to run his best. If he is to be successful going 1 1/4 miles in the Derby, he needs to relax under regular rider Jon Court.

Betting Value
Despite Archarcharch’s victory over Nehro in the Arkansas Derby, it is the latter horse who seems to have more buzz leading up to Derby Day. Also, Archarcharch doesn’t have the flashy connections that would attract heavy betting action – suggesting odds of 15-1 or more are probable.

PEDIGREE ANALYSIS

By Dan Illman

Sire:
Arch handled 1 1/4 miles without a problem, winning the Grade 1 Super Derby at the classic distance by three lengths with a 103 Beyer. Arch took five of seven lifetime starts, won at distances ranging from seven to ten furlongs, and received a career-best Beyer Speed Figure of 111 when winning the Grade 3 Fayette at 1 3/16 miles on dirt at Keeneland.

Dam:
Archarcharch is a half-brother to Run Sully Run, the winner of the Gilded Time Stakes going 5 1/2 furlongs on grass at Monmouth. Run Sully Run was able to successfully stretch his speed to 1 1/16 miles.

The dam, Woodman's Dancer, finished second in the Grade 2 A Gleam Handicap at seven furlongs. She compiled a 3-0-1-1 record in route races and is a half-sister to Seattle Pattern, a stakes-winner at nine furlongs.

Archarcharch's second dam, Pattern Step, won the Grade 1 Hollywood Oaks at 1 1/8 miles. Not to be outdone, the third dam, Tipping Time, won the Hollywood Oaks in 1969.

Outlook:
With stamina on top, and class on the bottom side of the pedigree, Archarcharch looks like a good candidate to handle 1 1/4 miles.

THE WIZARD'S PACE ANALYSIS:

Has proven to perform best when able to take back well off the pace and make one well timed move. Jockey JK Court knows exactly when to push the button having ridden him all six starts.